CRS Issue Statement on Border Security
Abstract
The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, launched an intense and extended examination of the nation?s policies designed to defend against non-state threats to the homeland. Border security is a component of the nation's homeland security strategy. This strategy involves a series of activities that apply a layered approach to securing the homeland by deterring, detecting, and preventing terrorist attacks at the earliest possible stages; protecting or "hardening" critical infrastructure against attacks; and preparing for and responding to attacks. Border security activities include not only those activities that take place at U.S. ports of entry, but also encompass extra-border activities, such as targeting and pre-inspection of U.S.-bound people cargo in ports around the world; cross-border efforts between ports of entry; and intra-U.S. enforcement activities. The overarching border security issue for Congress is how to balance two competing public policy goals: (1) the need to enhance border security with (2) an equally compelling requirement to facilitate legitimate trade and travel. This requires a sophisticated border management system that identifies and intercepts dangerous or unwanted (high-risk) people or goods, while facilitating access for legitimate (low-risk) travelers and commerce without excessive infringement on privacy or civil liberties. Another policy challenge is how to balance competing demands for resources, concentrating them on higher-risk areas while also providing security lower-risk areas. A variety of legislative and oversight issues flow from this framework.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 12, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA514724
Entities
People
- Jennifer E. Lake
Organizations
- Library of Congress